Royal Oils by Head & Shoulders Sulfate Free Scalp Care Shampoo and Moisture Renewal All Hair Types 12.8/13.5 fl oz

Common questions

Is Royal Oils by Head & Shoulders Sulfate Free Scalp Care Shampoo and Moisture Renewal All Hair Types 12.8/13.5 fl oz healthy?

Royal Oils by Head & Shoulders Sulfate Free Scalp Care Shampoo and Moisture Renewal All Hair Types 12.8/13.5 fl oz scores 60/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This shampoo contains beneficial ingredients like coconut oil and apple cider vinegar, which provide moisturizing and balancing properties.

Which ingredients drive Royal Oils by Head & Shoulders Sulfate Free Scalp Care Shampoo and Moisture Renewal All Hair Types 12.8/13.5 fl oz's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Glycerin count in its favor; Cocamide DEA, Fragrance, DMDM Hydantoin are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Royal Oils by Head & Shoulders Sulfate Free Scalp Care Shampoo and Moisture Renewal All Hair Types 12.8/13.5 fl oz

60 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

$16.73 · 13.15 fl oz · pack of 2 · $0.65 / fluid ounce
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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 5
Harmful ingredients 6
Category Shampoo
Summary

This shampoo contains beneficial ingredients like coconut oil and apple cider vinegar, which provide moisturizing and balancing properties. However, it also includes potentially harmful components such as DMDM Hydantoin, a formaldehyde-releasing preservative, and Cocamide DEA, which has been linked to carcinogenic effects. The presence of synthetic fragrance and sodium chloride further detracts from its overall safety and health impact.

Key ingredients 19

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Very Good

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is a gentle surfactant derived from coconut oil. It is known for its mildness and ability to cleanse without stripping natural oils. It is often used in sulfate-free formulations.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It helps maintain the hair's natural moisture balance while cleansing.

See more about Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate →
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
Good

Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate is a mild surfactant derived from coconut oil. It is used for its gentle cleansing properties. It is known for being less irritating than traditional sulfates.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It provides a gentle cleansing action suitable for sensitive scalps.

See more about Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate →
Glycerin
Good

Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the hair and scalp. It helps to maintain hydration and improve the texture of the hair. It is widely used in cosmetic formulations for its moisturizing properties.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with glycerin.

Benefits

Helps to keep hair hydrated and soft.

See more about Glycerin →
Coconut Oil
Good

Coconut oil is a natural oil known for its conditioning and moisturizing properties. It helps to nourish and strengthen the hair. It is often used in hair care products for its ability to penetrate the hair shaft.

Risks

May cause buildup if not rinsed properly.

Benefits

Provides deep conditioning and improves hair strength.

See more about Coconut Oil →
Apple Cider Vinegar
Good

Apple cider vinegar is used for its ability to balance the scalp's pH and add shine to the hair. It is known for its antimicrobial properties. It can help to remove product buildup and clarify the hair.

Risks

May cause irritation if used in high concentrations.

Benefits

Balances scalp pH and adds shine to hair.

See more about Apple Cider Vinegar →
Water
Neutral

Water is a common solvent used in cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the product. It is generally considered safe and non-reactive.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetic products.

Benefits

Water hydrates and helps distribute other ingredients evenly.

See more about Water →
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Neutral

Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a surfactant derived from coconut oil. It is used to create foam and cleanse the hair. It is generally considered mild and non-irritating.

Risks

In some cases, it may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.

Benefits

It helps to cleanse the hair without stripping natural oils.

See more about Cocamidopropyl Betaine →
Cocamide MIPA
Neutral

Cocamide MIPA is a surfactant and foam booster derived from coconut oil. It helps to stabilize foam and improve the texture of the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Enhances the foaming properties of the shampoo.

See more about Cocamide MIPA →
Pyrithione Zinc
Neutral

Pyrithione Zinc is an active ingredient used to treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties. It is effective in reducing flaking and itching associated with dandruff.

Risks

May cause irritation in some individuals.

Benefits

Helps to control dandruff and soothe the scalp.

Sodium Chloride
Neutral

Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.

Risks

May cause dryness and irritation of the scalp.

Benefits

Helps to thicken the product for better application.

See more about Sodium Chloride →
Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric acid is used to adjust the pH of cosmetic products. It helps to maintain the stability and effectiveness of the formulation. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Helps to maintain product stability and pH balance.

See more about Citric Acid →
Polyquaternium-10
Neutral

Polyquaternium-10 is a conditioning agent used to improve the texture and manageability of hair. It helps to reduce static and frizz. It is generally considered safe for use in hair care products.

Risks

May cause buildup if not rinsed thoroughly.

Benefits

Improves hair manageability and reduces frizz.

See more about Polyquaternium-10 →
Tetrasodium EDTA
Neutral

Tetrasodium EDTA is a chelating agent used to improve the stability and effectiveness of cosmetic products. It helps to bind metal ions and prevent them from affecting the product. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Improves product stability and effectiveness.

See more about Tetrasodium EDTA →
Cocamide DEA
Bad

Cocamide DEA is a surfactant and foam booster derived from coconut oil. It has been linked to potential carcinogenic effects due to the presence of nitrosamines. Its use is restricted in some regions.

Risks

Potential carcinogenicity due to nitrosamine contamination.

Benefits

Improves foam stability and texture.

Benzyl Alcohol
Bad

Benzyl alcohol is used as a preservative and solvent in cosmetic products. It can be drying to the hair and scalp and may cause irritation. It is often criticized for its potential to cause allergic reactions.

Risks

Potential for skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Benefits

Acts as a preservative to extend product shelf life.

See more about Benzyl Alcohol →
Sodium Benzoate
Bad

Synthetic preservative that can form benzene in the presence of vitamin C.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.

See more about Sodium Benzoate →
Potassium Sorbate
Bad

Synthetic preservative — flagged in daily-use products.

Risks

May cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.

See more about Potassium Sorbate →
Fragrance
Very Bad

Fragrance is used to impart a pleasant scent to the product. However, it can contain a mixture of undisclosed chemicals that may cause irritation or allergic reactions. It is often criticized for its lack of transparency.

Risks

Potential for skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Benefits

Provides a pleasant scent to the product.

See more about Fragrance →
DMDM Hydantoin
Very Bad

DMDM Hydantoin is a formaldehyde-releasing preservative. It is used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products. However, it has been linked to potential carcinogenic effects due to formaldehyde release.

Risks

Potential carcinogenicity due to formaldehyde release.

Benefits

Prevents microbial growth and extends product shelf life.

See more about DMDM Hydantoin →

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